Determination of mercury levels in biological samples using the incomplete cubane-type sulfur-bridged nitrilotriacetato molybdenum complex by a spectrophotometer.

Spectrophotometric determination of mercury levels in biological samples was investigated using incomplete cubane-type sulfur-bridged molybdenum complex, K2[Mo3S4(Hnta)3] 9H2O, ("NTA" complex; H3nta = nitrilotri acetic acid). The urine or organs of mice, which were either exposed to metallic mercury vapor or injected intraperitoneally with mercuric ion, were decomposed from four to twelve hours with a mixed solution of potassium permanganate and sulfuric acid. After the pretreatment, mercury in the urine and organs of mice was captured by the "NTA" complex. Absorbance of the resultant solution in the urine or organs of mice was also measured by a spectrophotometer under conditions similar to that of the exhalation.

Once versus twice daily dosing of terfenadine in the treatment of seasonal allergic rhinitis: US and European studies.

Terfenadine was compared for efficacy in treatment regimens of 120 mg once daily (qd) and 60 mg twice daily (bid) in patients with seasonal allergic rhinitis in double blind, randomized, parallel 1-week studies, three in Europe (one multicenter study, three sites; n = 191) and one in the US (single center; n = 201). Patients had moderate or severe symptoms for 2 or more years and positive skin tests to relevant pollen antigens. On entry and final visit individual symptoms were rated by physicians on a visual analog scale in Europe and a numerical scale in the US. Most patients filled out daily symptom diaries during the studies. Individual symptom scores and total symptom scores, (calculated by adding individual symptom scores together) as assessed by physicians and patients, were similar at baseline for both treatment regimens on entry, with improvement during the week. There were more patients with complete and marked relief in Europe than in the US. (Total symptom scores as assessed by physicians, for instance, improved from baseline ratings of 407 for the 60 bid regimen and 431 for the 120 qd regimen in Europe to 102 and 95 at final visit, and in the US from 8.8 for 60 bid and 8.5 for the 120 qd to 4.5 and 4.1). There was no statistical difference between the two treatment regimens in Europe or the US. Terfenadine, 120 mg once daily, is as effective as the currently approved dosage of 60 mg twice daily in the treatment of seasonal allergic rhinitis, and terfenadine, 120 mg once daily, has the added convenience of allowing the patient once a day dosing.

[Surgical treatment of metastatic lung cancer arising from the colon and rectum].

Ten cases of surgically resected pulmonary metastases arising from colorectal cancer were analyzed. Five year survival rate of these patients was 14%. Only one patient survived more than five years, whose primary and metastatic lesions were not so progressive without lymph node metastasis. The rate of regional lymph node metastasis was 25% and the patients with positive nodes died or had recurrence within 2 years. Serum CEA level was useful as a tumor marker and high-level of serum CEA after operation suggested remnant disease.

Comparison of the acute cardiopulmonary effects of oral albuterol, metaproterenol, and terbutaline in asthmatics.

The acute cardiopulmonary effects of oral albuterol, 4 mg, metaproterenol sulfate, 20 mg, and terbutaline sulfate, 5 mg, were compared over eight hours in 20 moderate to severe asthmatics. The magnitude and time course of bronchodilation following albuterol and terbutaline were comparable. Albuterol and terbutaline had a duration of action of at least eight hours and produced significantly greater bronchodilation than metaproterenol from six to eight hours. Metaproterenol produced a greater degree of bronchodilation than albuterol and terbutaline 30 minutes after drug dosing. Significantly fewer patients receiving albuterol experienced one or more central nervous system or musculoskeletal side effects than patients receiving terbutaline. These findings imply possible therapeutic advantages of oral albuterol and terbutaline with respect to dosing frequency, while the more rapid onset of oral metaproterenol suggests that it may have an advantage when used on an as-needed basis.